August 22nd - Slums to Supermarkets

I met up with the 5 other new volunteers and the staff first thing this morning - all very straight forward, and yet a bit of a blur ... I was initially in observation mode ... money belt still firmly in place – and yet, I quickly started to relax. About an hour later, we were driving into our compound (gated with security guards) and then we were at the house (inside another tall gate). We had a full morning of orientation – documentation, program overview, tour of the house (really relative luxury), safety regulations etc. There are a total of 8 volunteers and 2 primary GVI staff (plus 2 others and a few partners who are also living/staying at the house). It seems like a really good group as we start to get to know each other – and I realized that I am being much more open than I would have been in the past – and it feels easy and good.

In the afternoon, we headed out to visit the main school we'd be working with and also to visit the supermarket and stock up on any necessary provisions. Five minutes from our door and we were in the slums – the pathway in is just dirt, garbage and goats, but then we got into the more “residential” area – cleaner, adults by the huts and kids everywhere. It's very quiet except for the kids with their constant refrain of “how are you?” - what am I meant to say? We quickly learn that the dialogue goes something like this: them: how are you?, us: fine thank you, how are you?, them: either fine or how are you again ... depending on what they actually understand or just what they've learned so far ... (This refrain will continue the entire time I'm here - they do not get bored of it at all ...)

We saw the 'old school' – basically 3 very small rooms and we're amazed – they have over 100 kids and I have no idea how they all fit in. We also went by the new school – a real school which had been sitting empty but which they've now rented (thanks in part to our donations through the GVI program) – the first term will be starting in two weeks – and I can't wait to see it in operation.

After a 10 minute walk through the slum, down the main path/road, we reached the main road into town and got into a minivan or 'mutato' as they're known – their transportation system – and incredibly efficient. The road is full of these minivans going to various destinations and people just jump in and out as they need to. Each one has a driver and a tout who shouts the destination, gets the passengers and collects the money ... and hangs out the side of the van ... I had to chuckle as I realized what I'd seen the night before and feel more than a little silly at my reaction ...

In about 15 minutes, we're at a very modern mall – ATMs, gelato, a pharmacy and a large modern supermarket ... I get a good wander in, everything seems there, including granola and raisins – a small thing perhaps but my 'normal' breakfast is very welcome after 4 months of travel. Then back in the mutato, walk through the slum and home ... such disparity, so close is again, more than a little surreal.

Back at the house, we're settling in and over a great dinner, start getting to know each other ... 6 of the 8 volunteers are university aged Brits, either beginning, middle or end of bachelors or graduate study. There is another 'older' woman as well – an American from Cleveland. Great conversation and lots of laughs – a good start. Then I have a 'wow, I'm actually here' moment when I realize I am feeling very comfortable, surprisingly comfortable. I am sure there will be different stages and emotions that I'll go through while here and I am open to them all.